Hobbiez.com

By Christina VanGinkel

Hunting for antiques and collectibles is the perfect hobby for a variety of different people. Everyone that I have talked too that spends time antiquing or searching for collectibles has given me a different reason why they enjoy it as much as they do. Maybe they like the thrill of finding something that someone else deemed junk, but is actually worth money in a marketplace, such as Ebay. On the other hand, they like getting out of the house going to sales on the weekends, or enjoy the thrill of bidding when the items are up for bid at an auction type sale. Sometimes they like to go antique hunting because they like decorating their homes with their finds. Maybe they have begun a collection of an item, and they have collected it for so long, that the item has gone from being an everyday item, to becoming a collectible, so in order to keep collecting it they have had to change the way they shop for it. The reasons behind why so many people enjoy this hobby are probably equal to the number of those that do it, so unique are everyone's experiences.

If you are unsure if this is something you could do, even though you like the idea of it, because you feel that you would not know an antique or collectible if it jumped up and bit you, then stop right there. One reason so many people do enjoy it, is that it takes absolutely zero skill! The most successful antique or collectible hunter is one who hunts for things they like. There is no law book on what will be a popular antique or collectible tomorrow. For this reason alone, you really should only buy something if you like it, not because you feel it might have a monetary value now or in the future. What, you want to get involved in this hobby because of the potential to make some cash on the side? There are books available to help make your hunting more value oriented. There are books on specific types of antiques and collectibles, on markings to help you differentiate a real antique from a fake one, there are books available to help you even tell the age of an item, or the material something is made of.

Along with books, there are also hundreds, even thousands of online sites about all different aspects of antiquing and collectibles. Some are about specific items, while others are about antiques or collectibles in general. Browsing through websites is a good way for you to notice what is collectible and what is not. It may even help you identify what it is about hunting for antiques or certain collectibles that appeal to you. This is exactly how I discovered my appeal to postcards.

I was browsing online, helping my son search for an old picture for a project he was working on. We found one that would work, and when I realized it was a photo of a postcard, I remembered a cigar box of old postcards that my Mother had given me years ago. I dug it out, and before I knew it, I was looking for postcards every chance I was given. To this day, I will sop at every antique store, no matter how small, rummage sales, and browse Ebay just to see what I might find. All because of a single photo, I came across online when looking for something else. I have also since discovered numerous websites about ephemera collectibles in general, both antique and those newer but still considered collectible. This backs up my belief that you should look for those items you like. Hunting for antiques and collectibles is no fun if it is a chore; you should enjoy the search as much as the find, and for that to occur, you must really enjoy the possibility! Does that make sense? If you are looking for a fun hobby, try hunting for antiques or collectibles, it is a fun hobby, and one that you do not need any special tools for, other than an interest in getting out there and finding whatever it is that has sparked an interest with you!

By Christina VanGinkel

I can already hear a lot of you reading the title of this site, saying that you do not have enough time to pick up any new hobbies. Actually, you do not have enough time not too! Hobbies are a great way to de-stress. In addition, the fact is that you did stop by to read, and this must mean that you are interested in learning about a new hobby, if not for yourself, then a loved one. They take your mind off the mundane chores that go with life in general, like work, school, and bills. If you stopped long enough to read this far, chances are that you are probably somewhat aware of this fact, but just do not have any good ideas as to what type of hobby you would like to participate in. You are probably searching for that perfect hobby to take your mid off the daily grind. This is a good place to start. Browse the blogs, read what others are doing, and be sure to take a look at what ads are running, as they often list some of the more common hobbies and supplies that people use or are searching for.

If you really just do not know where to begin, this can be a problem, but if you just take a moment to think about it, you probably already know what interests you, you just need to be receptive to the clues. Ask yourself what you like to do. Do you find yourself drawn towards a specific type of magazine? Do you come to a halt in front of the television when certain subjects crop up? After I found myself consistently watching anything to do with antiques for example, tuning in to shows such as Cash in the Attic, and Antiques Road Show, I realized that I love the idea of spending time antique hunting, and this has actually turned into one of my favorite hobbies to participate in, especially during the warmer months. There are so many hobbies to choose from, some creative, some offering no other reward than fun, but each satisfying to those who participate in them in their own creative way, that there is a hobby out there for everyone, you just have to figure out what it is that interests you! Do not make the mistake of thinking that you can only have one hobby either. Some people do choose a hobby and stick to it exclusively, but many people also have an array of hobbies that they participate in.

I myself have numerous hobbies, such as antique hunting, crocheting, scrapbooking, reading, writing, beading, cross-stitching, playing computer games, and the list goes on. My youngest son enjoys photography, writing, and learning to do the rails in the terrain park on his snowboard. Some people like to knit, build cars, both real and model sized, sing, do crossword puzzles, origami, participate in shows with their dogs, and act. The only way you will know if a hobby is the right one for you will be to try it.

If the hobby is a craft, look for a starter kit, or a basic set of tools along with easy to understand instructions. Ask around amongst friends to see if anybody else already enjoys the same hobby, and ask them if they would be willing to share some tips. Most people who participate in a hobby are more than receptive to helping introduce others to it. For more advanced hobbies, say operating a ham radio, look online and on bulletin boards for groups that focus on the subject. Oftentimes there are organizations created just for the purpose of making it easier to participate in such a hobby. If you are serious about wanting to learn, join one; just be sure to inquire first what the benefits and the costs involved are.

A hobby can be as much fun as you want it to be. It can use up as much or as little time as you are willing to give it. While finding the perfect hobby to enjoy may seem like more work than it is worth, in the end you will be glad to have something to enjoy, reminding you that there is more to life than work!

By Christina VanGinkel

You heard me correctly, if there was not already enough excitement making the rounds about these ingenious crafting tools, not only do they cut, they also write. For those of you who do not know what the Wishblade, from the Xyron Corporation, makers of many craft related tools and supplies, here in is a quick primer: It looks like a printer, connects to your computer, but instead of printing, it cuts the shape or lettering you want out of paper, cardstock, vinyl, and other various thin materials. Designed along the lines of much more expensive cutting machines, the Wishblade is manufactured with the crafter in mind. Scrapbook enthusiasts, along with various other paper crafters have fallen head over heels in love with this little blue and white wonder. In addition, if the cutting features that it was originally intended for were not enough, some ingenious person has found a way for it to write and draw!

Shipped with the machine is a small green holder that looks similar to the blade attachment itself, but not quite. It has what appears to be a tip on one end, but it is hollow. By taking a pen, you drop it into the holder, tighten down a small screw, and after removing the blade and its holder, you slip this into the machine. Be sure to line it up correctly, or it will not drop all the way into place and it needs to so that the pen tip reaches the material you want to write or draw on. It then draws your design instead of cutting it.

For some reason, the company does not ship any information about this amazing little tool when they send you the machine, they just include the holder, and it rather leaves you wondering why they would not advertise this feature more. Even if all you ever use it for is to double check where your cutting will fall on the paper before actually cutting, it is ingenious. However, take out the regular pen, drop in a gel pen, and you suddenly have a complete new horizon of uses for the Wishblade. Gel pen on paper looks great, but not everyone likes their own handwriting. Just imagine being able to transform lettering from the computer, or those cute little dingbat fonts, into actual drawings that you could then incorporate into scrapbook pages, cards, or a myriad of other uses.

Some pens do work better than others, and a good fit is required for this to work. Do not use pens that are too small, as they will have a tendency to slip to the side, and the ink will skip, leaving bare spaces or no writing at all. A too large barrel on a pen will not allow it to slide all the way in, and it will just not work. Even when you have a pen that fits, you must also pay attention to the pressure setting, but this is easily learned. Some thicker papers will need you to move the pen up a bit, and for very thin papers, make sure the pen is situated all the way in. I have not personally had a problem getting this step right, but I have heard some people say that getting the pen to write consistently can be a problem especially with very thin paper, so be aware if this happens that it will just be a matter of adjusting the settings. Within the software that is includes with the Wishblade is also a place where you can adjust the pressure, so be sure to keep this in mind.

A few pens that have been recommended by users that work well for this delightful feature include the Staedtler Triplus, the Staedtler Metallic, along with the Ultimate Glitter Gels by American Crafts. These supposedly drop right into the holder without any adjustments needed. For the more artistic looks created, keep in mind that metallic and gel pens will offer a lot aesthetically to your projects, while a regular black or blue pen is great to use for finding out exactly where a pattern will cut on the mat. I wanted to try the writing without having to buy additional tools, so I just used a gel pen that I had at home, and though it was a bit small, I wrapped a small rubber band around it until it fit.

If you own a Wishblade, or are considering purchasing one, this is definitely an added bonus that Xyron should be shouting out to its users and potential customers instead of just quietly slipping in the holder leaving everyone wondering exactly what it is!

By Christina VanGinkel

No matter what crafts or hobbies you enjoy participating, there is always one thing that can make it that much more enjoyable, and that is finding supplies for that craft or hobby at discount prices. There are a couple of ways to go about this, which I have learned through the years, through my many forays into different types of crafts.

Sign up for Catalogs

I know, you are saying you already get enough junk mail, but craft catalogs are a step above the average junk. Craft catalogs cannot only offer you a convenient way to compare prices; they can also make you aware of supplies related to your craft that you might not have even known existed.

Shop Online

Even large metropolitan areas may not have a store that caters to your current hobby or craft. Online, you will most likely find numerous stores that are oriented specifically to your hobby. Again, as with the catalogs, by being able to compare, you are ultimately going to find any deals that there might be floating around. When shopping online, be sure to do a search for coupons or discount codes in relation to any of the stores you are going to shop. Check fliers or ads that arrive in your regular mail and inbox for codes and coupons too. Joann.com for example, usually has a discount code on the front page of their website, but if you do a search through any of the major search engines, you can often find a bigger discount. Over the holidays, their daily code was for forty percent off the regular price of one item, or free shipping. A search through Google turned up several codes for fifty percent off the regular price of an item. If you shop online a lot, these fifty percent off codes could have potentially saved someone a good sum of money. If you are on the mailing list for their brick and mortar stores, those sale ads also often have a coupon that is good for a purchase online, in addition to their other coupons for in store use.

Shop in Bulk with a Group

If you belong to a group of crafters, such as a knitting club, inquire at the regular places you do shop to see if they would offer any type of discount pricing for bulk purchases. I know of several online jewelry making clubs whose members get together to order basic supplies, such as wire, in bulk. This nets them a deep discount in comparison to if they purchased the wire individually in smaller lots, even after the extra shipping charges incurred from having the order shipped out twice, first to the person that places the order, and then to each individual. I would not recommend ordering supplies in this manner though, unless you were very comfortable with the person placing the order. Check catalogs and online stores to see if they offer any sort of discounts for purchasing in quantity too. Fire Mountain Gems, for example, offers discounts in relation to how much of an item is purchased. The more you buy, the cheaper the core price is. Sometimes they even let you mix and match within a category to reach the lower pricing quantity. Buying in bulk also has the advantage of possibly reaching the high quotas often required to purchase at wholesale.

Be Creative with your Supplies

Never assume you have to use the supplies verbatim as listed in a material list for a project, unless there is a safety issue involved. Otherwise, be creative and consider using replacement products for the more expensive items in the list. A favorite replacement that has caught on in the scrapbook community is to use small lunch sack bags folded in half to make the pages of individual scrapbooks. The bags are simply bound with everything from a paper punch and ribbon, to plastic comb binders. Now how inexpensive is that for a craft!

Check Ebay for discount craft and hobby supplies too. If someone tried a craft and decided, it was not for them, in this day and age chances are good that they may clear out the supplies by offering them for sale at an auction type website such as Ebay. This is also a good way for you to sell your own unused craft items to turn over those wasted funds back into hard cash to buy supplies for whatever hobby or craft you are currently interested in.

By Christina VanGinkel

Choosing a set of colored pens or markers should not be that difficult, unless you are going to use them for crafting and every set you look at does something different, something special, in comparison to the set you just looked at that is!

Sakura Souffle 3-D Paint Pens

This was my dilemma when I recently shopped for a set of pens and a set of markers. I wanted a set that would lend itself creatively to my scrapbook work and other paper crafts that I regularly participate in. Well, after browsing numerous different sets, I actually ended up ordering two separate sets of pens, each set from a different company, but both basically doing the same thing, with the difference mainly the color family of the inks, with one set writing in a more opaque color family. I also ordered one set of markers. The first set of pens that I decided on had one other brand for me to compare them too (which was the second set I also purchased). The first set was the Sakura Souffle 3-D Paint Pens, they are advertised as being able to produce an embossed effect with little effort, with no need for messy glitter or heat guns, and more importantly, they stated that they would work on just about any surface including glass and plastic. Any non-porous surface should work well actually. The set comes with ten colors, including Yellow, Orange, Light Orange, Pink, Purple, Light Green, Green, Blue, Gray, and White. With this wide range of colors, I figured they would work for just about any scrapbook, card making, or other craft that I might want to create an embossed effect on with ease.

Glaze Gelly Roll Pens

The other set that they compared to was the Glaze Gelly Roll Pens. They also create a raised line, similar to an embossed look, but the colors are somewhat darker and are not opaque, a feature that I liked about the Sakura brand pens, but I figured the more wide range of colors would only mean I would come up with more uses for the pens.

The few complaints that I heard about both of these sets of pens before I purchased either of them did worry me some, mainly, that they did not really puff up as stated. When I researched this issue further, what it came down to was that those that were not getting satisfactory results were not taking the time to write slowly with the pens, which is very important. They were also using them on porous material, namely plain paper or cardstock, without going over their work with a second coating. Depending on the surface material of the paper, it may be necessary to go back over your initial work, in essence using the first run as the base for the pens to 'work'. The pens work well on light and dark surfaces.

Zig Photo Twin

I was also interested in getting a set of markers, photo safe, which would create the look of tinted photos from long ago. I had fallen in love with the look of this technique from an actual old photo of a cousin of mine, which had this method done to it many years back. In black and white, an artist had then gone over the picture and filled back in the blue of his eyes, and added more color to the brim of his hat he was wearing, and the insignia of a little blue and yellow duck on his shirtfront. I though how cool it would be if I could alter some of my own photos to black and white, then go back with color and just highlight small, important accents in them. I even knew which photo that I wanted to experiment with. It was of my son leaning against a tree on our back forty. Wearing a white tee and jeans, the shirt has an American flag emblazoned across the front. I thought it would be interesting to strip the color from the photo, then just go back and tint the flag back to its original glorious shades of red, white, and blue. While I know some people would go at this project with real tints and dyes, I was hoping to find a marker that would duplicate the effect with much less work, and less talent on my part. I found the ideal set, the Zig Photo Twin. Each set came with six double-ended markers, so I would have more control when coloring photos, what with the two sized tips. I ordered the natural hue set, but they are also available in other color choices.

Pens and markers are currently available that do all sorts of creative things. If you want to take your photographs or other craft projects to a new height, be sure to check out all the pens and markers currently available. You will be sure to find the perfect set (or two or three), that will do just what you want them too.

Scrapbooking is a fun and exciting hobby for both beginners and those that are more experienced. What is scrapbooking, you ask? It is a way of preserving your photos with backgrounds, embellishments and other items in a decorative way. One very important aspect of scrapbooking is journaling, which is writing some information about the pictures so that when you look back at them, you know when the pictures were taken and where. Scrapbooking has become very popular, and there are lots of magazines, classes, stores, etc to learn more about scrapbooking as a hobby. Some people who would like to begin scrapbooking often feel overwhelmed by the many tools, options, papers, embellishments and other items that can be used. While it is normal to feel this way when beginning a hobby, there are some things you can do to start at the beginning, and learn as you go. In fact, that is the way most scrappers learn. They don't know how to do everything right away. They learn new techniques and try new things as they go. In my own scrapbooks, you can see that I started out simply, trying things I had seen and then my scrapbooks get more complicated. It is important not to feel intimidated by the idea of becoming a scrapper or by the other scrapbooks you see. Everyone started somewhere, and have pages that reflect their first efforts! These first efforts are part of the scrapbook themselves, and as you look back, you will want to see past any mistakes and realize that you are growing as a scrapper along with your family in the pictures. I have included some tips for the beginning scrapper to become more comfortable with the hobby of scrapbooking.

Start simply. This is very important. You don't have to buy a lot of paper, tools, embellishments or other items to begin as a scrapper. I accumulated my stuff over time, and when I started it was with a few sheets of paper, a couple of shape templates and some decorative scissors and a few stickers. I didn't have a lot, but my daughter's first pages still echo with the love I felt for her, even if the layouts are simple. For a beginner, it is a good idea to go to a scrapbook store and pick out a few things that appeal to you. Don't go for the big time tools. You will only end up getting frustrated and feeling like you are never going to be comfortable with scrapbooking techniques. Forget embossing and other more difficult techniques and concentrate on learning basic steps. Nearly all scrapbook stores have examples of pages hanging on the walls or displayed around the store. Look at the different colors and themes of papers. If you have a baby, pick out some baby paper. For little girls, there are always plenty of things to highlight their interests. If you recently took a family vacation somewhere, look for papers that will accentuate your photos. For instance, if you went to Hawaii, find hibiscus flowers, palm trees and vibrant blues that remind you of the ocean. If you went to Disneyland, most stores have Disney themed papers, which you can highlight with bright reds and yellows. The key is to think about what you are planning to scrapbook, and then find paper that is suitable for it.

Embellishments are a great way to add to your layouts. On your first visit to the scrapbook store, you can pick a few that you like. Buy some acid free pens and perhaps some decorative edge scissors or a punch or two. Just start small so you don't end up spending a bunch of money on things you may never use. Be picky about the things you buy!

Taking a few classes is a very good place to start. Any good scrapbook store will have classes for you to take on a variety of subjects. Most of them are reasonably priced and the cost includes supplies for the class. Often they will show you how to do an entire layout based on a certain theme, or they will focus on a certain technique. Classes are a great way to learn both the basics and the more advanced skills. Most of the scrappers who teach classes are happy to answer questions and help newer scrappers with their project. It is also a great way to meet other scrappers in your area. Even if they were offering a class that you might think would be too advanced or too difficult, talk to the instructor beforehand and ask some questions. You might be surprised about how easy the class actually is and the instructor will let you know if the class is geared toward beginners or to more advanced scrappers. The instructor still may let you take the class even if you are a beginner because the class might not be very full or they might be willing to give you extra help during the class.

A lot of scrapbook stores also have open scrapping evenings or afternoons. This is where you bring in your own projects and work on them. For scrappers who have a hard time finding time to scrap, these are great. Often they include some type of snacks or even a potluck dinner. Don't be intimidated about going for the first time. Generally scrappers are a friendly lot who will be glad to give you advice and show you how to do things. You will get to meet scrappers of every level, and see what kinds of pages other people are doing. I have never been to one of these that I didn't enjoy. A lot of scrappers also trade papers, embellishments, etc, so if you have something you bought but don't really like or didn't end up using, this is a great way to trade it for something that might be perfect for another one of your scrapbook pages.

Another good way to learn about how to scrapbook is to subscribe to a scrapping magazine. There are tons of them out there! There are also clubs that you can subscribe to that send you something every month or so, like different ideas for scrapbooking, or kits for themed layouts, or packages of stickers, etc. These are a great way to get fresh, new ideas and to also see what is going on in the world of scrapbooking, It seems like there are always new things to use, and techniques to learn and ways to use things you already have in a new way. Most of these subscriptions are reasonably priced. The magazine subscriptions can be anywhere from $15 to $30 a year and the subscription packages can vary greatly in price as well. I belong to one that costs about $8 a month, and I have also belonged to one that cost $30 a month in the past. I have enjoyed every one that I have tried.

Looking online is a good place for beginning scrappers, too. There is a wealth of information sites on scrapbooking. Some of them talk about tools and techniques and provide great step by step instructions and examples. Others sell scrapbooking supplies, and this can be another great way to add to your scrapbooking supplies. I have found that the stores near me carry certain brands of items and tend to have things that the owner likes to use, while other stores have a completely different selection. By browsing online stores, you can find things that you don't see in your area stores. Still other sites offer newsletters and forums and groups you can join about scrapbooking. All of these have some great information and usually have good links to other sites. I have found several sites online that offer free clipart that you can print to use in your scrapbook pages. They also offer clip art that you can buy at reasonable prices. Make sure that the clip art is free before you use it, because offering free clipart is a good way to get customers interested, but no one wants their clipart stolen and used without permission. These people are trying to make a living, too. I have spent a lot of time surfing online and have found a lot of useful (and not so useful) information about scrapbooking and scrapbooking resources.

So now you have some information to help you get started as a scrapper. Remember to start simply. Follow your instincts when it comes to colors, because you might be surprised at how well your pages turn out, even if they are not full of complicated things. Take some classes so that you can begin to feel like you know something about scrapbooking. Once you are comfortable, you will have the confidence to try the most difficult layout! Subscribe to a magazine or monthly scrapbook package deal if you can afford it. You don't have to stick with the same one, either. I have tried out five or six different ones, depending on my financial situation and how interested I was in the products that were sent. If you get bored with one, try another. I promise that you will get plenty of offers in the mail once you get on a few mailing lists for scrappers. Sometimes, the introductory items are great, but the stuff they send after that is not that great or doesn't fit in with your style or the kind of scrapbook pages you do. I joined one program that had some great layouts, but they just weren't the kind of layouts I needed with my family activities and the ages of my children. Spend some time online. It's free, and most of the scrapper newsletters are free, as well. This is a great option for someone who doesn't have a lot of money for scrapbooking but still wants to learn. If you have DIY or some other craft channel, they have some fairly decent shows dedicated to scrapbooking and similar crafts. Check them out if you get a chance!

Last, but definitely not least, don't expect perfection from yourself. I have scrapbook pages that look fantastic, and others that are not so great. Some ideas I had for layouts were wonderful, others not so much. But instead of looking at the less than stellar pages as flaws, I look at them as evidence of work in progress. I am a scrapper who is still learning. Some days I am so creative I amaze myself, and other days I am not all that impressed with my efforts. But every page does not have to be a masterpiece. That is what I tell my friends and myself when we start obsessing about how a page looks. My kids love whatever I do in their scrapbooks. My husband says everything is great (I don't always believe him) and my mother asks me for scrapping help and advice. Scrapping is supposed to be fun. So give yourself a break and don't redo pages over and over to get them perfect. As we all know, life is not perfect. It's messy! Scrapbooking isn't a competition with yourself or anyone else for the best page. It is a way to create a backdrop for some of the most important moments in your life so that you can look back and remember them with a smile. In the end, the page doesn't matter. The memories do.

Written by James Fohl

Depending on what type of hobbyist you are, you probably have an extensive collection of tools that you use when ever you find yourself working with your hobbies. One tool that I find useful in many of my personal hobbies is a rotary tool.

A rotary tool, commonly referred to as a Dremel tool is a really nice tool for pretty much anyone who has a hobby to have. That is because a rotary tool can be used to do pretty much everything. I mean seriously, a rotary tool with the correct attachments can become an engraver, a polisher, a screwdriver, etc. The list can continue forever! Rotary tools really are universial tools, because they can accomplish so much for so little.

You can purchase a rotary tool in pretty much any store that has a hardware department, and depending on what brand and which features you are looking for, you can purchase one relatively cheap. Some stores even sell cheap rotary tool kits for ten dollars that include a one speed rotary tool, and enough accessories to keep the average hobbyist busy for years. More expensive models are also available from name brands such as Black & Decker, and of course Dremel that provide more power, and variable speed settings.

If you are just looking for a rotary tool to engrave some wooden crafts projects, or to polish some metel, than you won't have to spend more than twenty dollars for a corded rotary tool and the accessories that you need. It is important to note however that if you do not purchase a rotary tool that comes with accessories, than the accessories may be expensive if you purchase the Dremel brand. For example, just one Dremel accessory, such as an engraving bit can cost more than a complete 50 piece accessory kit from some unknown Chinese company. While you might think the Chinese kit may break easily, I have found that most of these cheap kits hold up fairly well when compared to the expensive Dremel brand accessories.

If you decide to go out and purchase a rotary tool, be sure to read over the documentation that comes with the tool and accessories, and if you have questions ask someone either at the store, or someone you know that knows a little about rotary tools. While rotary tools can be a lot of fun for hobbyists, they can also be a lot of pain when it comes to using the correct accessory to accomplish a specific task. For example, rotary tools come with a handful of engraving accessories. Each of the engraving tips are meant to be used on a different surface, or under different operating conditions. A newcomer to the world of rotary tools may think that all of the engraving tools are the same, and use a wood engraving bit to make an engravement on a metel plate. A lot of frustration can come about after a hobbyist spends countless hours on a project, and in the end messes the final details up because they failed to use the correct accessory with their rotary tool.

But don't let that get you down! Stuff like that will only occur if you go out and purchase a rotary tool, and just using it without reading the documentation over. Rotary tools are simple to use, and fun to use as well; they just require you to read over the documentation before you use them.

Before long, you will learn to use your rotary tool for your hobby's demands, as well as pretty much everything in your household. Hundreds, upon hundreds of different accessories exist that turn your simple rotary tool in to a huge collection of tools. As mentioned before, you can use a rotary tool as an electric screwdriver, as a drill, polisher, etc. The list goes on for miles!

You can also use a rotary tool to cut through various materials. With the correct bit accessories, a rotary tool can cut through metal, wood, and even glass. With this ability, new horizons can be opened up in your hobbies. From making little windows in your computer's case, to creating unique looking glass vases, rotary tools can literally help accomplish any task!

So the next time you are in the hardware store, think about purchasing a rotary tool. Not only will you find excellent use for it in your favorite hobbies, but you will also find great uses for the tool everywhere in your home!

By Christina VanGinkel

Card crafters, scrap bookers, and other types of craft enthusiasts are always looking for ways to make their own embellishments, especially personalized ones. The first time I saw twill ribbon that was printed on, I knew it was just the thing I was looking for, and with the possibilities for creating unique items with this simple and oh so easy to do craft, I knew I would be busily creating personal twill tape designs and messages for a long time to come. Months later, I am still as intrigued with this easy craft and continue to make all sorts of personalized embellishments.

With twill ribbon available in such a wide assortment of sizes, you will also be as fascinated with this craft once you realize all the items you can make with it. Better yet, the only supplies you will need are scissors, twill ribbon in a light, solid color, and your computer ink jet printer with a few sheets of blank light colored cardstock, a word processing program for editing text or a graphics programs, and some common household tape. (Double sided tape works very well for this, as it will allow the twill ribbon to stay right where you place it, where as if you just tape the ends down, it may slip when running through the printer, causing increased risks of jams or allowing the printer to miss the ribbon altogether). As to the software, consider just about any of those programs that you already own for working with text, or even clipart, such as a scrapbook program, or even good old Microsoft Word or WordPerfect. As long as the program will print to your ink jet printer, it will conceivably work for this project. The only other thing I can suggest you have before beginning this project is those fonts that you want to use. Fonts are available in many designs either for purchase or through Internet sites that offer them free. Many magazines that are craft oriented that offer a CD or online access, also often have free fonts in decorative designs for personal uses such as this.

To start, consider what you want to use your finished twill tape on. This will give you an idea of how long a piece of twill tape to cut, and what type of font and words you plan to print. Once you have an idea all set up, and have designed it in the graphics or word processing program on the computer, print it to the cardstock. This is not a dry run; you are creating the actual template you will use for the placement of the twill ribbon for when you run it through the printer. This is how you will know where to place it on the paper so it does not miss the ribbon. Affix the twill ribbon over the printed area of the cardstock with tape on the ends to help secure it as it is run through the printer. Place the cardstock back into the printer tray, or if you have a manual feed, use that, and then direct the printer to print and it will then print directly onto the twill ribbon. Do not walk away from the printer when doing this though, as paper jams, or maybe we should call them twill jams, can occur. Once printed, allow the ribbon to dry thoroughly before you remove it from the cardstock. You can remove the cardstock and ribbon from the paper tray, and then just set aside until ready. Then, simply remove the tape that is holding the twill ribbon in place and your ribbon will be all ready for you to use in whatever project you had in mind. Attach to your project with more double sided tape, run it through a Xyron sticker maker (my favorite), or even attach it with brads, eyelets, decorative staples, or with decorative sewn stitches, increasing even more the ways in which you can use your personalized twill ribbon.

Depending on the width of the ribbon you choose, you can also print graphics, the same as you do words. This simple tactic alone expands the possibilities of this easy to do project immeasurably! So, go get yourself some twill ribbon and make your own distinct borders, tags, and whatever else you can dream up!

By Christina VanGinkel

I recently bought a punch 'n' bind from Zision, a division of Provo Crafts. It is based on more technical, office-oriented machines, which cost much more. The punch 'n' binds have a suggested retail price of $39.99, and additional comb accessories are soon to be released in a wide variety of colors, such as earth tones and pastels. The machine does use standard comb bindings available at office supply stores, but these are usually available only in white, black, and clear, and you sometimes can find them in the primary colors, such as red, blue, and yellow. The punch 'n' bind is geared for the home market, specifically scrapbook enthusiasts and paper craft artists, and may not be as sturdy as the more expensive machines manufactured for office use, but I feel that it is well worth the price they are asking. The machine itself is neon green in color and highlighted with pink. It can turn papers, cardstock, and other items such as plain old brown lunch bags, into comb bound books. It was recently under a recall by the company for unspecified reasons, but is to be re-released this February. Personally, I have found nothing wrong with mine, and have no plans to return it.

When it first arrived, having ordered it online as I do just about every craft item I own, due top the lack of local suppliers, I opened the box it came in, and then looked at it for three days. It was bigger than I thought it would be, but after having it a while now, I think part of that is an illusion due to the shocking colors. When I finally opened it up, the documentation was sparse, so I again felt a bit intimidated by it, even though I am not normally one to read directions, but more the sort to just jump in with a new tool and have a go at it. The problem was that I had never used any type of comb binding system before, no binding system whatsoever really, so I had not a clue where to begin. I read the short card that arrived with it, and after just a couple of failed attempts at getting it to work, I realized that all I was doing improperly was placing the comb into the machine upside down. Once I turned it the correct way, it slid right down, and with a simple push of the comb to the right, and a flip of the lever on the side, the comb opened right up!
Upon seeing a photo of the soon to be released ones, I did notice a sticker on the front of it that appears to visualize just how to place the comb into the machine. This would have been a great help to me when I first had mine.

As the name of the machine implies, it also punches whatever it is you want to bind together with the combs. One sheet at a time is all it handles, but it is easy and quick to do, and the pages line up quite easily. It will punch a sheet of paper or cardstock that is up to 12" long, so your options are quite unlimited as to what you can create with it. As all I had were the packaged contents that came with the machine, which included three sample combs, one white, one black, and one clear, each twelve inches long, I decided to try out a few smaller projects until I could purchase some more combs. The combs can be easily cut with a scissors, so altering the size of them to fit your project is very easy. For my first attempt at really using the machine, I ended up making a 6X6 mini book of cardstock. I was captivated from this first project, and knew I was going to need more combs, and lots of them!

One of my favorite projects to create with it is to make paper bag albums. You start with a simple brown lunch sack, folded in half. Slide the folded bag at the crease into the machine, and punch down with it. Repeat with three to four bags, and then bind them together with the comb binding. That quickly, you have an album ready to decorate in any theme you want.

Besides craft projects, my youngest son also has used the machine to bind together school projects. I am also planning to put together a family cookbook for my daughter and several nieces, and assembling mini photo albums is easily done in a very short time. One word of warning about this machine: If you buy one when they are released again this coming month, do yourself a favor and order a huge supply of combs right away, because you will have no patience waiting to get more. It is by far one of the most fun tools in my craft room, and we are always finding new projects to do with it.

By Christina VanGinkel

Living out in the country as we do, my kids have always been keen on hobbies that do not need a bunch of people together at a time to participate in the chosen hobby. They do enjoy team sports and activities, but they have also been quick to choose tasks that they can do on their own. Scouting with a metal detector is one such hobby. Our youngest son actually became interested in this fascinating piece of equipment a few years back when he and I stumbled onto an old dumping ground on our own property. We were out walking our fence line, looking for one of our dogs that had strayed way out of his normal area. We did not want him getting into the swamp next to our property, as he was a young dog, and we were fearful that he might get into trouble. So, as we walked the fence line that day, we ended up wandering away from it, towards the edge of the swamp. It was here, in a tall patch of overgrown grasses and bushes, that we discovered what must have been someone's dump many years back. The first items that we found a metal detector would not have been useful for, as they were glass. However, they did help us date the pile of debris. Several bottles actually had dates stamped into them, and they were all dated prior to 1925.

We were both excited by the find, so we marked the patch with a piece of broken log, and then left it to go and find our pup. We did find him, and after returning him home, my son asked if we could go back to our discovery. It was getting late, so I responded that we would first thing the next morning. That evening, we were telling my husband about it, and he replied that the area we were talking about sounded like it might be where the original homestead was on the property. He went on to suggest that we borrow a friend's metal detector the next day to make the scavenger hunt more worthwhile, as after all these years, it was likely that the glass debris was being pushed to the surface, but who knew what else might be back there that we could not see.

We ended up unearthing all sorts of interesting things on that site, and when we have nothing better to do, we often head back there again, just in case mother nature has prodded a few more items toward the surface where a metal detector or even the naked eye might be able to now find it. From that first time, I must admit that we were all a bit smitten with the idea of a metal detector, even though much of what we did uncover was glass and found without the help of the metal detector. There is something quite pleasurable about taking out a simple machine, which can help you 'see' beneath the surface.

Some metal detectors are much more advanced than others. The first one we borrowed years back would just give a little blipping sound when it found something, and no idea of the depth or what it was. Now, you can purchase ones that will tell you how deep the item is in the ground, what metal it is made up of, and even models that show you these facts on an LCD screen or by different tones to clue you in to what possible treasure you might be about to find.

People use metal detectors on beaches, at parks, at sports fields, even their own back yards. If you are looking for a hobby to get you outside, maybe help you find a hidden treasure, and have a bit of fun in the process, then metal detecting may be just the hobby for you. With some models conveniently priced well below a hundred dollars, you are sure to find a model to get you started. Then, if you become as hooked by this fascinating hobby as we did, there are just as many more expensive, and more feature filled models that you can trade up to once you know that this is something you will want to do every chance you get.

By Christina VanGinkel

Anyone who has worked with crafts of any sort knows how supplies seem to grow overnight, with storage of their expanding girth of supplies oftentimes a problem. Scrapbook supplies can be a particular dilemma because of the array of various supplies. Unlike some crafts where you have one or two main items, scrap bookers have to deal with hundreds of different products in a variety of sizes and shapes, both in their tools and the consumables themselves.

They also face the problem of moveable storage if they go to crops and shows. I have found a few favorites and though I would share them here.

Dynamics Perfect Paper Stackable Paper Trays

The Dynamics Perfect Paper Stackable Paper Trays have a lipped edge so the papers you put in them, stay in them until you need them. They are stackable, as their name implies, so you can easily add trays as your paper supply expands. They come packaged ten to a time, so right out of the package you will be set to store quite an array of papers. They are sized large enough to store conveniently the popular twelve by twelve inch sheets of paper and cardstock that many scrap book enthusiasts' use.

All My Memories Tote-ally Cool on the Go Craft Bag

The All My Memories Tote-ally Cool on the Go Craft Bag, is made for convenient carrying of your supplies to crops and anywhere else, you might want to bring your things to scrap. It is made to both carry and allow you to access easily your supplies once you get to your destination. It has a neat little pull out drawer on the bottom to hold small embellishments and has several pockets to keep tools at the ready.

CraftLocker Ribbon Storage

If you love ribbon in your layouts, then some type of ribbon storage is a necessity. The CraftLocker Ribbon Storage is a great storage alternative, as it keeps all of your ribbon in sight and still provides easy access. The unit is built on a slight slant, so all the reels stay tipped forward, and ready to use. It has a convenient carry handle, so moving it around your scrapbook room or taking it along with you to crops is both doable and easy.

CraftLocker Accessories Storage

The CraftLocker Accessories Storage unit has five two-inch drawers and three one-inch drawers. The larger drawers are perfect storage for all sorts of tools and embellishments, while the shallower drawers are perfect for storing flatter items such as inkpads without having to dig them out from under other supplies. It also has a convenient handle on top for moving around your crafting space.

Craft Locker Croppin' Tote

Also from CraftLocker is their Craft Locker Croppin' Tote. It is the perfect tote to bring with you for short crops. It has a detachable zippered pouch, and numerous outside pockets that are spacious enough for tools and more. You also have room to carry a water bottle in a mesh pocket. My favorite thing about this tote is that it has a see though outside pocket where your 12x12 album of choice can be carried, allowing everyone to see the cover, making your tote recognizable to you and others when in a group situation. The window is acid free, so you have no worries about damaging any outside elements on the album.

Craft Keepers

Craft Keepers, in the popular 12x12 size, made of acid free, archival quality polypropylene, are a convenient envelope type storage that every scrap booker seems to start out storing their paper and embellishments in. They are inexpensive; they keep your supplies dust free and wrinkle free, and are convenient for tucking into larger storage packs. They have an easy to use button and loop closure, and besides storing random supplies in, they work great for storing individual pages in progress, by allowing you to keep all the supplies for the page you are working on in one convenient spot. Usually found for right around the two-dollar range, they are also much less expensive than other company's comparable products, meaning grabbing a few to keep your pages separated in is both smart and cost effective.

There are literally hundreds, even thousands of various storage options for your scrapbook supplies out there. These are just a small sampling. Consider your needs and how you plan to use the storage, either stationary or carry along, and you will soon be organized and have room to buy even more supplies!

By Christina VanGinkel

Creating altered art is a great way to use up miscellaneous items you have around the house. By miscellaneous items, I mean anything and everything you can find that you no longer need for its original purpose. Old CD's and DVD's, buttons, unused game pieces, playing cards, tins from mints, leftover fibers, old keys, paper clips, old books (children's books and old hard covers are personal favorites), and band aid tins, paint cans, and more. If it is lying around your house, it can most likely be used in an altered art project.

So popular is the craft that some of these items are even being sold as new to be transformed into altered art. The main one that comes to mind is paint cans. By the time the average home user empties a paint can, it is not good for much beyond placing it in the garbage. Some studious people will argue the point and say that they can be washed clean, and they can, but most paint stores will sell you empty cans, clean empty cans, for just a dollar or two. These are one of my favorite objects to alter.

When choosing an item to alter, consider how it will work as a blank canvas ready for you to use up all those other goodies you have uncovered. Some of my favorite items for altering include paint cans, clipboards, small tins (they make great little mini sized photo albums), boxes, recipe files, notebooks, and books. Any item you can think of another use for though, can realistically be altered. For the altering part itself, besides using up found items, which provide the unique quality that is the big draw of this art, scrapbook, and other art supplies can fill in any needed gaps.

The Actual Altering

Once you have chosen an item to alter, be it an empty paint can, an old book, a tin, what have you, each person will progress from this point on in his or her own way, continuing the unique aspect of this craft. Some people will choose a theme to work from, while others will literally sit down and let the assortment of found items they have collected draw the course for them. Most fall somewhere between the two, choosing a theme, but not really having a course of action for the finished item until the last piece is in place, letting the art come together piece by piece. For my first project, an altered can, I found it easiest to choose a theme, my love of crochet, and bought a paint can to alter. My goal was to make a container to store my hooks in that I could leave out in the living room when I was not using them, and at the same time, it would be a pleasing little piece of art tucked into the corner. I covered the can with old pages from a magazine about crochet, and added small items pertaining to my love of crochet and needle works in general, including a hook that I no longer used because it had a rough spot that caught the yarn, and another hook that had a bit of rust on it, but I was reluctant to toss because it had been my mothers. I also used threads to decorate the edges, a small pair of scissors that no longer cut well, no matter how many times I tried to sharpen them, and then some fun die cuts that I cut out on my Wishblade cutter.

The one downfall of creating altered art is that even though you suddenly have a use, or potential use for all those items filling up your junk drawer, you will suddenly find it very difficult to toss anything. Each item that is headed for the trash will now need to be examined and you will often discover that maybe you could use it for this project or that. Your grandmother's supply of old buttons will become something that you covet, and your mother's habit of saving old cards, both Christmas and everyday, will all of a sudden make perfect sense and you will be questioning yourself on all the good things you have tossed over the years. Creating altered art will give you a very different perception of what exactly junk is and is not!

By Christina VanGinkel

Collecting lunch boxes is a hobby that often sneaks up on an individual. They start by seeing one lunch box that reminds them of their days in school, maybe one they had themselves, or coveted from another child. Occasionally, the collection is begun more for a love of the comic book character or television personality that graces the lunch box. You might have been too young or too old to own the lunch box when it was new, but that is inconsequential when you are taken with the graphics anyways! Whatever reason, lunch box collections have a way of growing and expanding without even being aware of the fact until suddenly you are looking for ingenious ways to store and display them, and displaying them is half the fun. The other half is finding them!

Uncovering Hidden Gems

Like many antiques and collectibles, lunch boxes can be found in places such as small specialty shops that sell collectibles. Auction rooms and specialty sales are also good venues to shop. Be prepared to pay a premium price at outlets such as these, as you will most likely be only one of several shoppers that will be wanting to buy a collectible lunch box that has landed on their shelves. Ebay can be a wonderful source, but be prepared to pay top dollar. Other online stores can also be searched, but again, if it is on the Internet, chances are the seller is going to be asking a retail price.

Do not overlook some secondary stores though, that might still turn up the occasional hidden gem of the lunch box under world. Second hand stores, such as St. Vincent DePaul stores and Goodwill, garage and estate sales, junk shops, and small stores that you stumble into when out for a weekend drive. You know the sort, located in some small town, and upon entering, you feel like you have walked into a rummage sale that just runs and runs. Many people may be turned off by stores such as this, but they can be some of the best places to find lunch boxes that have been tucked away for years, just waiting for a closet or kitchen cupboard to be cleaned out.

Remember to check your own parent's basement and attics, or other elderly relatives. Ask your Mom whatever happened to the one you had, as this may prompt her memory of just what she did with those. Just an everyday, ordinary object to those people who do not understand the draw they have on many of us, they might not even remember that they stuck them in a box in the attic, for example, until someone asks about them specifically. While some people do not save things like this, others have a hard time parting with things like a lunchbox, because they felt the item would never really go out of style, so they tucked it away thinking that another child would use it. Now years later, it is a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered by someone like you.

Condition

Like any other collectible, condition is important. Rust can be a major culprit of old tin boxes, peeling graphics on some of the newer plastic ones. Finding a lunch box in good condition can be a challenge in its own right. In the end, it will come down to personal taste. I would have no problem picking up a dented and dinged box if it were of a character I wanted, while others may only be interested in those in pristine condition. Other times, you uncover a box and it will leave you shaking your head wondering just what the person was thinking! Take as an example my own mother. She had saved two pails belonging to us kids and used them in the bottom of her kitchen cabinet for years to hold lids from plastic containers. She had actually taken the covers off, and we never did find them. I hope that those you uncover will be in better condition, but my point is you just never know where you might find these lurking, and in what condition.

Display Ideas

Shelving that runs around the top of a room is a good way to display a collectible set such as lunchboxes, especially if the collection is medium to large sized. The shelf provides plenty of display space, open for others to see, yet high enough up to keep them from prying hands of those who will want to handle them. Like any other box, some people will be compelled to open them, so by keeping them visual, but up, you can avoid much of this problem.

If you have a small collection, just two or three lunch boxes, a china cabinet, or an open shelf with a few other associated objects can become a very interesting display. A friend has a Charlie's Angel lunchbox on a small shelf, and hanging next to it is a poster assembled from trading cards of the three Angels. They were two of his most prized possessions from his childhood!

By Christina VanGinkel

When many of us think about our scrapbooks, we picture layouts of our kids and grandkids, even our spouses and other family members, maybe a layout about the family dog and cat, even the goldfish. Rarely do we think about creating a layout, or heaven forbid, a complete album, about ourselves though.

An album about yourself can be one of the most interesting you will ever produce, as who knows more about you, than you yourself. An interesting way to go about coming up with enough ideas to fill an album and to jumpstart the idea so it does not just languish in your idea pile is to sit down and interview yourself.

Make up a list of questions that you might ask an elderly relative, such as a grandparent. Even if you are younger, this is still a good format to go with, as it will make you think of the long-range plan of your life, providing you with many page ideas. Some questions to get you started could include:

Where did you live as a child?
Whom did you live with?
What schools did you attend and did you have favorite subjects, teachers, or classmates?
Where did you live after leaving your parent's home?
What was your first job, your favorite job, your least favorite job?
What is your job now?
What are your interests, your hobbies?
Do you have any pets?
If you are married, what memories of your first home with your spouse do you have?
What dreams do you have for the future?
What goals do you feel you have achieved?
What do you hope others will remember about you twenty, fifty, a hundred years from now?

A scrapbook about yourself is important in many ways, so do not feel as if it is something that is a waste of your time. It is a good way to remind yourself what a valued individual you are and it is also an ideal way to show your kids what you were like as a child, that you have goals and dreams, likes and dislikes. For future generations, a scrapbook about you will most likely become a valued treasure. Can you imagine having a scrapbook with photos and journaling that a grandparent or great grandparent put together about them? I have just a handful of pictures of my grandparents and I treasure them with my most prized possessions. How I wish I had something that was in their handwriting, or a glimpse into their thoughts. Even if you do not have many pictures of your past, take the time to assemble what you do have and incorporate as much journaling as you can, as your words will speak just as loudly as any group of pictures ever could.

If this sounds too daunting a task, begin small. Choose a small sized scrapbook, such as an 8 inch by 8 inch, or make one yourself with just a few pages, such as a lunch sack book, and pick one topic about yourself that you would like to have others remember or know about you. Choose the age you are right now for example, and focus on what is going on in your life this year. What house or apartment are you living in, who are your neighbors, are you married, do you have kids, any pets? What do you do for a living, what are some of your favorites, such as television shows, movies, what are you reading, what do you do for entertainment? By focusing on a short time frame, you can often come up with more ideas than if you look at the big picture of your life. Do not forget to include some mementos that commemorate this time in your life too. Some ideas could include ticket stubs from the movie you were willing to stand in line for hours to see, a copy of the menu from your favorite restaurant; even a paycheck stub showing all the overtime you worked for the sum of what will look tiny to upcoming generations! Future generations and current ones will enjoy these scrapbooks as much if not more than those you will do about any other subject, simply because they will end up being a unique glimpse into the person you are.

By Christina VanGinkel

Little Red Riding Hood is much more than a fairy tale told to children when they are little to teach them why it is not a good idea to talk to strangers. It is also a highly collectible set of kitchen accessories manufactured by the Hull Ware Company and painted by the Regal Company. I was once the proud owner of their cookie jar, sugar and creamer, teapot, salt and pepper, and a covered butter dish, all manufactured in the image of Little Red Riding Hood by the Hull Ware Company. The cookie jar and the teapot were my favorites. The cookie jar portrayed her carrying a little yellow basket, and the teapot had the flowers around her skirt upside down. I always wondered about the person who decorated it, wondering if they noticed what they had done, or even if they did it on purpose. Either way, it made the teapot that much more special.

Originally manufactured in the early 1940's, my set most likely landed in the home of a farm wife or other homemaker who enjoyed having the red and white decorative set to spruce up her kitchen. It was later purchased by my father as a second hand set for my mother to use at their home, a farm in the small town of Amasa, Michigan. When the farm was sold years later, it went into storage. It was not pulled out again until my oldest sister was married. She used it in her kitchen for several years until she could afford a set that she liked. As she told me years later, she was never fond of the red color that was so prominent on each of the pieces. It then came into my possession, when I was first married, and I used the pieces as they were originally intended, as a cookie jar, salt and pepper, sugar, creamer, etc. When I moved to a new home a few years later, it moved with me, but I retired it to a china cabinet and just enjoyed looking at it. It was one of my fondest possessions, in part because it was something that my father bought for my mother, but mostly just because. I liked the red color; I liked the story of Little Red herself. A tea drinker, I did continue to use the teapot with sugar and creamer for special occasions.

Then, as things happen, my husband was injured in an accident, and with no insurance, as he was self-employed; we sold some of our possessions to make it through the seven-month long recuperation. One of the first things I sold was my Little Red Riding Hood set. A collector who came over to buy some of my postcard collection that I was willing to sell, offered me a sum of money that today seems likes a pittance, but at that time was enough to pay two month's worth of mortgage and still have a few dollars left over to purchase some groceries. That anyone would be willing to pay me for such a collection was a surprise in itself, but I always felt guilty about it. I phoned my Mother before agreeing, and asked her if it was ok, and her reply was that it was just a kitchen set, it could always be replaced, and maybe that is why I had ended up with it in the first place. She was always the levelheaded thinker, never sentimental about what she referred to as 'things'.

I had always told my daughter when she was little though, that someday the set would be hers. Even though she was just a small child when I sold it, she was so grown up about it, telling me that it was ok, that as long as it was helping Daddy, that she did not care if we had to give it away. This brings me to today. I have decided that I am going to try to replace the set, piece by piece, for my daughter. The price on the pieces today are recognition of what a fun set it was and is today to both own and to collect. I am sure it will take me many years to gather them all together, and browsing through pieces of the set online at Ebay and a few other antique and collectible sites, I see that there are pieces to the set that I never knew existed. Wish me luck!

By Christina VanGinkel

Some might question whether keeping a journal is a hobby, but the art of decorating it surely is! I have done several of these as gifts and for myself. The whole reason I even started decorating them in the first place was that I wanted to keep a journal for myself, but even as a writer, the act of putting down my thoughts, ideas, and personal notes in a plain, basic notebook seemed sacrilegious. Not to mention that it was just too easy to ignore or forget, so more than half the time, the journal went without an entry. I wanted the cover of my journal, and the interior for that matter, to lend itself to what words would eventually land within the pages. The first one I made seemed quite plain in retrospect to the ones I have made since, but each one has been fun in its own right.

To start, you will need a notebook, a spiral bound or one with a spine will work, and an assortment of embellishments, purchased, found, or as mine usually end up, an assortment of the two. The type of journal itself, before you transform it, is not important as long as it is large enough for what you deem a suitable journal size. Do try to avoid very thin journals though, as you will be removing some of the interior pages, so one that has too few pages to begin with will not work well for this project.

As a scrap booker, I have at my disposal many patterned papers, die cuts, adhesives, and assorted embellishments which I forage through depending on who I am currently making a journal. I also keep an eye out for found items to decorate with once I know whom I am going to be making one. If you are new to paper crafts, visit a scrapbook store or arts and crafts supply store, take a browse through their paper, and scrap embellishment aisles. Shop for some patterned papers, an adhesive runner or double sided craft tape, a pack of fun markers or gel pens, ribbons, etc. Anything that you feel will fit the theme of the current journal. Remember that you really cannot make a mistake on these, as if you do not like something, tear it off, or cover it up.

I made my latest journal to represent my love of words, and began with a basic notebook, the kind with a cardboard cover, front, and back, that goes off to school each fall with millions of kids stuffed in their backpack. It was spiral bound, so I removed about one third of the pages in no particular order. If you were working with a bound journal, I would recommend removing every third to fourth page. I then added printed, decorative paper throughout the journal, using an adhesive to apply it to the interior pages. Some pages I covered completely, others I just added borders. I also used gel pens throughout, along with ribbon and die cuts to spruce up pages here and there. As the theme of my journal was words, I also salvaged the words with their descriptions from a few back issues of Reader's Digest, words that intrigued me, and scattered them throughout the pages. The cover of the journal is where I went a little crazy though. First, I covered it front and back with scrapbook paper. I also glued on an old wooden ruler, cut down to fit the cover, along with part of a page right out of an old thesaurus. I also used tiles from and old Scrabble game to spell out my name and a then scattered a few spare letters too. I took some fabric strips, in a pattern that was actually more words, sort of a school pattern, and tied a few small strips through the wire spiral. I also used stamps, brads, wire, and ink in my journal.

It ended up being so unique that there is no way I could not write in it each day. The cover is too decorated for me to stick it on my bookshelf, which is often what use to happen when I would have the intention to write in a journal. There it would be placed, and just as quickly forgotten. With this journal all spruced up, it just begs to be placed on my desk or dresser where it is a constant, visual reminder to write. Decorate a journal for yourself or as a gift. Like many of the current paper themed projects and crafts on the market today, do take note that they can be a bit addictive, and once you make one, you will want to make another.

By Christina VanGinkel

Working with beads in any form can be a highly addictive craft. Like a child in the proverbial candy store, if you are a bead lover, it is difficult to enter a store that sells beads, or bead supplies, and not buy at least something. A strand of seed beads, a few dozen spacer beads, and the perfect focal bead for that necklace you are going to start next, maybe stringing supplies, or needles, or even a baggie of porcupine quills to dye and incorporate into your next bead project. Bead crafters often end up overlapping their crafts too. If you work with seed beads for example, you will suddenly need to find the perfect accent bead for a project that you happen to be working on, and no combination of seed beads will work. Soon, you will be shopping for larger focal beads, or maybe even searching out a source for handcrafting your own. Chances are if you work with beads, you work across the board with several different types. I know several people who work with seed beads, who also blow their own glass beads for incorporating into their seed bead designs. Another woman I know who began doing basic bead stringing, went on to learn how to make her own glazed, kiln fired beads because she could not find the style of bead she wanted. One good friend of mine buys her beads, both glass, and metal, but handcrafts pit fired ocarinas to use as the focal point of necklaces she makes. Working with beads can be a part time hobby I suppose, but know that it has the ability to become as much a part of your life as breathing. Another friend makes beads from paper, and she has said it is the one thing, that saves her from stressing about everything. She comes home after a day at work, sits down and cuts and tears strips of paper, which she rolls and glazes to look like delicate porcelain beads. Beads can be bought, made, or combined of the two into an amazing array of projects. That may be a big part of the attraction of beads now that I think of it, the variety is so massive, that it has the potential to appeal to so many different people.

I began making seed bead items close to twenty years ago, and in that time I have strung beads, incorporated them into macrame, both strung them on and made them from wire, and learned to do intricate weave stitches such as Peyote, Brick, and Loom work. The loom beading I have done both on and off the loom, and I have incorporated beads into a variety of other projects besides jewelry including cross-stitch and crochet. Creating with beads is much more than a hobby or a craft. Working with beads is one of those areas in life that has a way of working into the elemental parts of it. You no longer are so and so who beads, you are a bead worker by the name of whatever happens to be your name.

I enjoy working with beads to the degree that I have even researched what some of the earliest beads were actually constructed of, such as shell and stone, and other natural items such as porcupine quills. I have gone so far as to learn how to salvage porcupine quills and clean them, how to debarb them (not all bead workers who work with quills debarb them, but for the purpose of stringing them, I did), even how to dye them with natural ingredients such as blackberries and dandelions, and incorporate them into drop earrings and chokers. I even created a Native American breastplate for my brother, which was decorated with several medallions that I created from quills.

If you are looking for a hobby that has the potential to be a fulfilling part of your life, working with beads may be just the hobby you have been searching. Kits are abundant in many types of beads and areas of beading to provide even the most inexperienced crafter the opportunity to try their hand at this craft. For the basic beginner, I would recommend a bead stringing kit with semi precious tones to give you a hand on feel of the beads. A quick search right here at Hobbiez.com for 'bead stringing' will provide you with several choices to get you started, including kits, books with instructions, and getting started guides.

By Christina VanGinkel

I have been crocheting since I was about twelve years old, a late bloomer in the field by many standards. Teaching a child a handcraft is a great way to build their self-confidence and it provides them with an outlet for their creativity. Crochet is a handcraft that lets them make things that are useful over the long range. Blankets, scarves, mittens, toys, and many more items can be constructed with the very basic of crochet stitches, with more intricate stitches available for those wanting to create more with the craft. In comparison to knitting, which also can produce some very stunning creations, I personally feel crochet is easier to both teach and learn for kids because of the fact that it uses one hook, instead of two needles, so the maneuvering is easier to master. Important both during the learning process and after, is, that when a mistake is made, unless you are using a yarn that is extremely fine and fuzzy, it is usually very simple to tear out, back to where the error was made. It can be difficult with knitting to remove the stitches back to the spot you need to fix. Frustration can quickly set in, and then nothing is learned. This is not to say that knitting cannot be learned by kids, but that for me personally, I have found crochet to be easier to teach of the two, and that even very young children can learn to make a simple crochet chain, where kids slightly older would be more adept at picking up the craft of knitting.

Other crafts may be even easier yet to teach a child, but kids often will sit still long enough to be taught a craft when it is too cold outside to go out, or in the evening when schoolwork is done. Crochet can be taught in short spurts of time, with little room needed to work, and the very basic of materials. It is one of the simplest and least expensive crafts to get a child interested in doing. A skein of yarn and a hook is all you need to start them on their way. If you feel that, you will not be able to convey the basic chain and single crochet stitches either purchase an illustrated book or look online for some good illustrations highlighting these first basic steps. A combination of you sitting next to them, allowing them to see how you hold the yarn and hook, combined with the close up illustrations of a book or printed off the Internet, will provide them with both a visual and hands on feel for picking up the steps.

Keep in mind when teaching kids, that just as different people hold a pencil or pen differently, so are crochet hooks held more than one way. Of course, you want to convey to them how the average person holds the hook, and how the chain and single crochet are constructed, but if they find that holding the hook slightly differently produces the same steps needed to accomplish the chain and single crochet, move on to teaching them about tension, and leave them be.

If you are teaching a child, that is opposite handed of what you are, go into the teaching lesson reminding yourself that what works for some may not work for others. Trail and error may take longer, but if you keep at it, accomplishment will follow. I have found that it often depends on the children themselves, as to what works best for them to see what you are doing. Have them sit across from you, in effect offering them a mirror image of what you are trying to teach them. If that does not work, have them sit by your side as you would with a child that was not opposite handed of yourself.

If a child is having a difficult time learning the basics, try a heavier yarn, or a larger hook, in turn making the image of what they are doing with the yarn easier for them to see. Encourage them, and even if they end up with a tangled mess, be ready to offer praise and ask them when they would like to have their next lesson. Start the next lesson by refreshing what they learned the first time out, and before you know it, they will be asking you how to do a picot and treble, and if you think Fun Fur will make a good wardrobe accent!

By Christina VanGinkel

With winter knocking on doors all over this time of year, kids are also in the throws of losing mittens, just like washers eating socks. With a simple pattern, yarn, and a crochet hook, you can whip up a pair or two of these in an evening and save yourself the headache of worrying about more lost mittens. If that happens, just make another one to match! The best part about these mittens is that they are easy to alter by changing the size of the yarn and hook, or by increasing or decreasing rounds, and adding or subtracting rows.

Basic Pair to fit a Toddler

Using four-ply yarn, one skein will make several pair that fit a toddler. You will also need a G hook, and a yarn needle. (Remember that after making your first pair, you will see how changing and altering this pattern just a bit here and there can drastically alter the size of this patterns final product. Try a bigger hook with two strands of yarn or a bulky yarn, or a smaller hook with baby yarn or one of the new decorative yarns)

With your size G hook, ch 2.
Round 1: Work eight sc in the second chain from hook. Do not turn
Round 2: Work two sc in each sc around (16 sc)
Round 3: Work (one sc, two sc) in next two sc. Repeat around (24 sc)
Round 4: Work (one sc, one sc, two sc) in next three sc. Repeat around (32 sc)

At this point, depending on the size mitten you want to make, you could increase the width more by slowly increasing the number of stitches as has been done for a few more rounds. Once the width has been increased to the size required, move onto the next round, which in this basic pattern is Round 5.

Round 5: Work one sc in each sc around. (32 sc)
Rounds 6 - 10: Repeat round 5 (32 sc)
Round 11: one sc in each of next five sc, chain 7, skip next seven sc, then work one sc in each remaining sc around (32 sc)
This is your thumb opening. When you are finished with the main mitten, go back and slip stitch into any stitch, one sc in each sc and each chain, around (14 sc) sc in each sc around for approximately seven rounds. To form the tip of the thumb, sc two sc together all the way around (7 sc), tie off yarn leaving a length of about five inches. With a yarn needle, weave the end in and around the end row and pull tight. Fasten and secure.
Rounds 12 - 17: Repeat round five, working one sc in each chain of round 11 (3 sc)
Round 18: (slipstitch first two sc together, sc in each of the next fourteen sc) repeat, (30 sc) slip stitch in next st, turn

The remaining part of the mitten will be worked in rows, forming the cuff of the mitten.
Chain 12,
Row 1: sc in second chain from hook, sc across each ch (11 sc) slip stitch in the next two stitches of the last round of the mitten base, turn, do not chain.

Row 2: sc in each sc (11 sc) chain one, turn
Row 3: sc in each sc (11 sc) slip stitch in the next two stitches of the last round of the mitten base, turn, do not chain.
Repeat rows two and three until mitten cuff is formed. End by cutting the yarn leaving a length of yarn to whip stitch the cuff closed. Whip stitch with yarn needle. Tie off and weave in end of yarn to finish. Repeat for second mitten.

This pattern is so versatile, that it can be altered for a perfect fit for whoever the mitten is going to be worn by. For example, measure the length of the hand from the base of the thumb to the wrist, and change the number of rows after the thumb opening to equal the exact length. The rounds before the thumb opening can be increased or decreased in the same manner to accommodate the length of a hand. The mitten can also be made larger or smaller depending on the yarn type, needle size, and increasing the width after round four, to accommodate any size hand.

By Christina VanGinkel

With many paper-oriented crafts so hot these days, such as scrapbooking, people are also rediscovering other types of paper crafts, such as card making. With nothing more than a few sheets of cardstock, maybe a paper punch and a pair of scissors, and a few embellishments borrowed from the scrapbook bag, you can be quickly making cards for any occasion you might need.

Creating cards is also a great way to try out techniques that you might wish to incorporate into a larger project, but you first want to try on a smaller scale. Paper ripping for example sounds straightforward enough, but can produce many different results depending on the paper you use, how you might layer it, and if you use any tools while tearing it or just do it free hand.

Cardstock and some thin papers sometimes come in designs that have both sides of a single sheet a different color. These papers make great torn projects, as they provide different looks when tearing other than just a single color with a white interior showing. Because these are craft papers, the sizes they come in can range from smaller than typical eight and a half by eleven-inch sheet sizes, to a twelve by twelve inch sheet size. Start by deciding if you are going to use this paper for the stock of the card, or just the decoration. I like using it for both. That way, when the card is begun, it already has the design element of two different main colors, one for the outside of the card, and one for the inside, all from a single sheet of paper. It in turn opens up the range of colors you can incorporate with your other embellishments.

Begin your project by cutting the card itself out. You can find patterns in numerous paper crafting magazines, or by tracing an old card. If you plan to mail the card, stick to a standard size, note card size, so that envelopes will be easy to obtain. You can make your own, but that is another craft all by itself!

Once your card shape is cut, lightly score the fold so that when folded, it is smooth. I use a Wishblade cutter, which connects to my computer and cuts out various die cut shapes, for making my cards, and this actually scores the card for me when it cuts it, making for a perfect fold each time! Once I have the card, I begin by hand tearing whatever shapes I am interested in creating. I also use the edge of my heavy orange colored Fiskars plastic stencils for creating more uniform tears. Each stencil sheet actually has a different edge perfect for this purpose, and the different designs you can create with these alone are simply amazing.

A fan of incorporating found embellishments into many of my crafts, I will also add items such as buttons and small wire shapes. My one restriction when making a torn paper card, or any handcrafted card for that matter, is to keep the designs relatively flat if I plan to mail them in a basic envelope. I also use paper punches, stamps and inks, chalks, watercolors, paints, brads, eyelets, glitter, and any other embellishment I can think of. Whatever I think might fit the theme of the card. A recent card for a friend who is a coffee lover consisted of a two-tone paper that was brown on one side and yellow on the other. I used the brown for the exterior of the card and hand tore a yellow sun from the scraps left after I cut out the shape of the card. This was applied top the exterior of the card with copper wire hand twisted around a pencil and flattened to add some dimension and pizzazz to the areas around the sun. On the inside of the card, on the yellow, I cut out lettering using the brown side of the paper, stating that It was a Coffee Kind of Morning, and included an invitation to meet for coffee soon. I also decorated the inside of the card on the page facing the text with a hand torn coffee cup shape. The complete card only took me a few minutes to make and cost me nothing more than a single sheet of two-tone paper and some snips of wire.

By Christina VanGinkel

Creating a scrapbook does not have to be an expensive venture. It is tempting with all of the available products on the market, to spend x amount of dollars on fancy papers, embellishments, and the such, but combining those items with found items will do two things, keep your albums unique, and save you on the overall cost. Some common household and everyday found objects that can be incorporated into your layouts to keep them fresh and avoid the run of the mill pages that you can end up with by using just store bought embellishments include:

Wire
Buttons
Safety pins
Paper clips
Ribbon
Playing cards
Rick Rack
Paper bags in assorted sizes
Silk flowers
Recycled Christmas and other occasion cards
String
Small candy tins

Lunch Sack Album

Many of these items can be incorporated with some typical scrapbook supplies to create some unique, even stunning scrapbooks. For example sized paper bags can be folded in half to create an album. I used white and brown bags, but keep in mind that they come in all sorts of different colors, adding to the unlimited possibilities for creating your albums. Choose a theme to make into a scrapbook, and then start with two or three bags, depending on how many pictures and journaling spaces you want to incorporate into each. Fold them in half, length wise, and you will begin to see the intention of the shape of the album. You will also need a scrapbook binding book binder at this point. They are reasonably priced and can be purchased for less than forty dollars, and though this initial investment may seem costly, you will use it repeatedly. The one I purchased came with an initial ten combs to get me started. You will use the machine to punch holes through the folded area of each bag, one at a time. You then put the comb in the machine, place the bags back in and the machine places the comb into the holes you just punched. The comb can be easily trimmed with a pair of scissors once you remove the finished book from the machine, to give your finished book a professional overall look. If you wish to decorate your book before or after binding is totally up to you. I do mine after binding, but I know some people who decorate the bags, insert all their pictures and journaling, and then only bind the book when they are confident that it is a finished product. If you only wish to make a single album or two in this manner, many schools and churches have these machines for making cookbooks and other easy books. Contact some organizations such as these to see if they would bind the lunch sacks for you, or contact a local printing place to see if they would. Most will for a very reasonable charge, making this project still much cheaper than buying a scrapbook.

Purse Sized Tin Album

Can you believe that you can make a mini album from a deck of playing cards and a candy tin? Look for an Altoid type t